LAFAYETTE, Ind. — For the second year, residents can safely dispose of their expired or unwanted prescription and over-the-counter medications through “Operation Medicine Cabinet.” Event sponsor Home Instead Senior Care in Lafayette is partnering with the Tippecanoe County Sheriff’s Office, Rosewalk Commons, and the West Lafayette Go Greener Commission for the one-day event that allows the public to safely dispose of expired or unwanted drugs.

“Operation Medicine Cabinet is a valuable community service that educates the public on how proper disposal not only protects loved ones from accidental ingestion but also helps protect the environment,” said Chris Irons, owner of the Lafayette Home Instead Senior Care.

Many residents flush their medications down the toilet or down a drain, he said. “But Indiana’s wastewater treatment system is not designed to remove these types of contaminants from the water supply.”

“In addition, pets and children can access medications that are carelessly thrown away in the trash,” said Irons. “Proper disposal also prevents illegal use of the drugs or theft of identity from prescription labels.”

Operation Medicine Cabinet will be held in two locations on Saturday, June 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Rosewalk Commons senior community, 250 Shenandoah Drive, in Lafayette, and in the Cumberland Park farmers’ market parking lot in West Lafayette. Collection will be supervised by the Tippecanoe County Sheriff’s Department and properly incinerated by the animal crematory at Hippensteel Funeral Home.